Credit: National Museum and Center for Service
By Kritika Agarwal
A new initiative at the National Museum and Center for Service (NMCS) is encouraging universities to mark the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States next year by honoring the contributions of scientists and researchers to our nation’s health, well-being, and prosperity.
Founded by former Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA), the NMCS is devoted to recognizing Americans who dedicate their lives in service of others – including law enforcement officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, relief workers, and volunteers as well as scientific researchers. At a time when science is increasingly under attack, Baird has said he believes universities must engage with the public and showcase the important work scientists do on a day-to-day basis in service of others.
“My children’s lives, the lives of my mom and dad, all of our lives have been improved by science,” Baird said in an interview, adding: “We don’t see polio victims walking around the streets anymore; we’re not afraid of dying of yellow fever, etc.” It is because of science, Baird noted, that we have access to the internet, life-saving diagnostic tools such as the MRI, and other modern marvels.
Science and the scientific method were also part of our nation’s founding, Baird argued, and are reflected in the process that led to the creation of our founding documents as well as in the values of the framers. Benjamin Franklin, for example, was one of the world’s best-known scientists of the time. Other framers such as Benjamin Rush (a physician), Thomas Jefferson (who founded the University of Virginia), and George Washington were known to follow the scientific method in their daily lives and practices. Baird argued that the U.S. semiquincentennial is the perfect occasion to make that connection and to highlight the contributions of science and scientific methodology to our democracy, Baird argued.
The new initiative, Baird said, encourages universities to tell the stories of scientists and researchers on their campuses by engaging students to create low-cost digital or print posters that can be displayed on campus and inside university buildings. The project would connect students with their role models, provide tangible educational outcomes, and leave a “legacy of inspiration to be seen by all visitors and participants on the campus,” Baird said.
The University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance put the idea of honoring service into action last year. As part of a summer program, a group of students interviewed members of the community engaged in public service and created digital posters about them for display around campus.
Amen Tsegai, program manager at the school, said that the project was a “low cost” way for the school to maximize its existing resources and led to several positive learning outcomes for students, including the development of interviewing skills, decision-making skills, project management skills, and research skills. “It supports participation, it made the work visible to our community, it generated a lot of curiosities and engagement with our community, faculty, staff, as well as people who visit the building for a variety of things,” she said.
Universities interested in honoring the contributions of science on their campuses can access a higher-ed toolkit on the NMCFS website.
Kritika Agarwal is assistant vice president for communications at AAU.